It finally happened: Following the success of their women’s collection, ASOS Curve, the British fast fashion retailer has launched a men’s plus size collection, with sizes from XL to XXXXL. This means more affordable clothing in a wider variety of sizes. You’ll find everything from hoodies and jackets to shirts, pants, and sweaters.

Duke Plus Check Shirt in Navy and Red ($46)

Though there’s a decent variety of tops available in the size range above, the pickings are slim when it comes to jeans and pants. As of this writing, there were only two pairs of jeans available, and they were only size 46. Pants had a similar problem, with XXL joggers and size 42 stretch chinos being the only option. Our guess is that this is because items are selling quickly, and the ASOS men’s plus size section is new. We expect to see a wider variety of options in the future.

ASOS Plus Oversized Hoodie with Super Long Sleeves ($34)

What about style, you ask? The ASOS men’s plus size line carries everything you’d expect – cool prints, solid basics, denim jackets, fun outerwear – stylish clothing for the modern man of size. As you’d expect, there’s a lot of cold weather options, like hoodies, jackets, long sleeve t-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts. If you’re feeling particularly festive, you’ll even find a couple holiday-themed shirts that will scratch that itch.

Duke Plus Sweater with Shawl Collar in Brown ($38)

If you’re looking to save money, you’re in luck: prices range from $9.50 for a t-shirt to $98 for a quilted jacket, which is in line with other similar retailers, and quite a savings when it comes to big men’s clothing.

Click on the images to see our favorites from the ASOS Men’s Plus Size Collection. Will you be buying from them? Share your thoughts in the comments, or on social.

]]>https://chubstr.com/resources/asos-mens-plus-size-collection-launches/feed/0https://chubstr.com/resources/asos-mens-plus-size-collection-launches/Mo Vaughn On MVP Collections His Stylish New Big & Tall Linehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/-byedy9233c/
https://chubstr.com/resources/mo-vaughn-mvp-collections-stylish-big-tall-line/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 16:44:54 +0000https://chubstr.com/?p=21794A lot of us complain about the lack of stylish options for men in the plus size market, but few are in a position to do much about it. That’s where three time all-star and baseball MVP Mo Vaughn comes in. His new clothing line for big men, MVP Collections, recently launched with a focus on offering...

A lot of us complain about the lack of stylish options for men in the plus size market, but few are in a position to do much about it. That’s where three time all-star and baseball MVP Mo Vaughn comes in. His new clothing line for big men, MVP Collections, recently launched with a focus on offering modern, stylish clothes in sizes XL to 4X (with sizes increasing to 6X in the new year). I spoke with Mo and managing partner, Diane Cutuli about starting a big & tall line that is stylish and 100% made in the USA, with a relatively affordable price point.

Chubstr:Why start a clothing line for big men?

Mo Vaughn: I’ve always been right in between, at that line where it’s hard to find clothes that fit. It’s frustrating, and I knew this was needed. The clothes I did find weren’t made well. Why can’t a big and tall guy have same lifestyle look – [such as] premium denim and shirts like everyone else? I wanted to do something about that. I spoke to Diane, who has 20 years experience with some great fashion brands. She did her due diligence and felt this was the best way to go.

Diane Cutuli: We wanted to do something that isn’t being done right now, and have everything made 100% in the USA. We’ve only been live for a short amount of time, but we’re already seeing repeat interest from customers. They like what we’re doing, and we’re seeing growth.

MVP Collections Light Grey Classic Shirt ($98)

Chubstr: I really appreciate that you’re putting real thought into the styles you’re offering. Why did you decide to do three lifestyle collections (Athleisure, MVP Night Out, and Weekend)?

Mo: You need looks for many different situations. We’re offering looks that you can put together for social or professional events. Theres the weekend, the night out, and one specifically made for being comfortable. Its a premium and functional lifestyle look that we’re offering. If it’s on trend and in the moment, we want to offer it.

Diane: Mo is the customer and understands it. being very involved, he’s very engaged and we’re on the same page. We didn’t think we’d see the kind of positive response we’re seeing from customers this early on.

Chubstr: How did the two of you meet?

Mo: We’ve been family friends for over 10 years. Diane is from the industry. She built Baby Phat and worked with women’s plus size.

Diane: Mo had these ideas and approached me with the project.

Graphic Tee ($48), Denim ($178)

Chubstr: Why was it important to make MVP Collections in the United States?

Diane: Everything we offer is 100% made in USA. It’s been a long time since brands have done that, and we need it back. I was in the industry when it was very strong and 90% of the clothing was made in the US. Today, it’s the opposite. We need to change that. In fashion, you need to be quick. By doing everything here, we can move faster than most, which gives us a leg up and better control of the process.

Mo: I’ve had a lot of success here, it’s my country. We’re proud of that and want to support and promote that.

Chubstr: Why do you think that there aren’t more stylish options out there for big guys?

Mo: I think it takes a tremendous amount of effort to do [big and tall] right. It’s not a quick thing. You have to get the right people, the right partners. That takes time and patience. We see it as an opportunity.

Diane: That’s the big question. Timing is everything. There are brands out there, like Ralph Lauren, Lucky, and Buffalo, but everyone has been a little gun shy. Nobody wants to take a chance. I wish more people would do it. It’s good for everyone in this space. Someone has to start, so why not us? Offering fashionable clothing, we’re one of the first.

Chubstr: What are your plans for MVP Collections as we head into 2017?

Mo: We want to be on top of new styles. Being on trend and having things ready to go as the seasons turn is where its at for us.

Diane: One of our goals as things grow is to go into other categories. Things like shoes are important to a full wardrobe, and so are accessories like eyewear or hats. We’re going to build the brand and drive awareness and continue to grow globally.

Chubstr: Do you have any tips for guys who are in the process of finding their own personal style?

Mo: Don’t be afraid to try different styles. Look for clothing that is versatile. Learn how to put your outfits together. On our website, we show you how to create specific looks from what we offer.

Diane: Mo, you forgot about stretch!

Mo: Stretch denim is the only thing I’ll wear now. It fits perfectly and it looks great.

]]>https://chubstr.com/resources/mo-vaughn-mvp-collections-stylish-big-tall-line/feed/0https://chubstr.com/resources/mo-vaughn-mvp-collections-stylish-big-tall-line/Where is All the Designer Plus Size Men’s Clothing?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/ksZvdIf2psY/
https://chubstr.com/style/where-are-designer-plus-size-mens-clothing/#respondTue, 08 Nov 2016 15:53:46 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21714While it’s true that more brands are beginning to offer clothes in extended sizes for big gents, there’s still not much out there in terms of designer plus size men’s clothing. While it can be argued that we need affordable, fast fashion (think Gap, Zara, H&M) for big men, a surprising amount of you are looking...

While it’s true that more brands are beginning to offer clothes in extended sizes for big gents, there’s still not much out there in terms of designer plus size men’s clothing. While it can be argued that we need affordable, fast fashion (think Gap, Zara, H&M) for big men, a surprising amount of you are looking for high end clothing from luxury brands in your size. The problem is, there aren’t many high end brands peddling their wares in sizes above XL, and the ones that are aren’t really advertising the fact. Have you seen any big men used as models in any luxury campaigns? The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Tony Sylvester for Burberry.

Does this mean there’s no progress at all? No. Brands like Oublier, Brandon Kyle Menswear, and Volare are creating their own fashion-forward offerings for big and tall men, some of the first to do so. There’s still room for a variety of styles and perspectives in men’s plus fashion, but where are they? I asked a few people in the community for their thoughts on the current state of things, which you’ll find below.

I think we might EVENTUALLY see higher end designers offer plus men’s sizing, but we are going to see more options coming from younger, trendier brands first. I see brands like ASOS and H&M and even American Eagle coming out with plus size men’s clothing in the near future. ASOS already had the women’s curve line, so in my eyes it’s only a matter of time before they create a men’s collection – they’re such an inclusive and fashion forward brand, they understand what the market wants and how to do it well and at the right time. I think seeing the success of these trendier, more budget friendly brands could eventually show high end designers that there IS a plus size men’s market that wants high end designer clothing.

The plus size men’s market is so fresh and so new that it’s really hard to say what could happen in the future – there’s no rule book or set of standards for this kind of fashion community and we are only becoming more and more recognized as valid members of the fashion world everyday, so really anything is possible.

I honestly believe it will be a while before we see a luxury fashion brand dedicated to brawn guys. The fashion world is starting to give attention to the plus community, but until we can go into stores like GAP, Banana Republic, J.Crew and see extended sizes offered for all styles, I don’t think so.

I feel like designer plus size men’s clothing will probably never be a thing. It’s hard enough to get into plus size modeling, let alone find fashionable clothes that fit correctly. For years, the fashion world has focused on what they think people should look like, rather than what they actually look like. Only recently has women’s plus size fashion been gaining a lot of attention. People are starting to open their eyes to the fact that women with “real” bodies or plus size/curvy bodies can be beautiful and fashionable. The same goes for the plus size men.

I feel like larger luxury brands don’t really cater to our demographic because they don’t feel like it is worth the time or effort. This is largely due to the influence of western beauty standards, especially for men. “Thin-ness” or “being in shape” has always been an easy way to categorize men by who’s “beautiful and healthy” vs. “unkempt and messy”…and high end fashion isn’t for the “unkept and messy.” Naturally, I believe that high fashion has always been that way for both genders, but I think that’s starting to change.

With the rise of social media and things like the body positive movement, we are now seeing these larger luxury brands listening and starting to cast larger models and make more clothing options for plus size men. The reason I feel it isn’t advertised is just for the simple fact that, currently, the high fashion world isn’t ready to see plus size men as beautiful. But we’re going to force our way into it, just as plus size women have before us.

So, where’s all the designer plus size men’s clothing?

You might have noticed a recurring theme in the comments above: designer plus size men’s clothing isn’t here yet. Still, that doesn’t mean there’s been no progress at all. It is promising to see individual designers creating lines that focus exclusively on bigger men. You can expect this to continue in months and years ahead.

Do you care about luxury or designer plus size men’s clothing? Which brands do you wish sold clothes in your size that don’t? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

]]>https://chubstr.com/style/where-are-designer-plus-size-mens-clothing/feed/0https://chubstr.com/style/where-are-designer-plus-size-mens-clothing/NiceThreads: A Personal Stylist Service for Big & Tall Menhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/43UTqEMhHoE/
https://chubstr.com/resources/nicethreads-big-tall-personal-stylist/#respondMon, 07 Nov 2016 17:13:42 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21717It feels like we’ve been asking for a Trunk Club-esque service for big and tall men forever. You know what I’m talking about – a service that gives you a stylist who understands what you like, and knows what you need from a fit and style perspective. It looks like our wait is finally over,...

It feels like we’ve been asking for a Trunk Club-esque service for big and tall men forever. You know what I’m talking about – a service that gives you a stylist who understands what you like, and knows what you need from a fit and style perspective. It looks like our wait is finally over, as men’s clothing retailer DXL gets into the business with NiceThreads, its new clothing delivery service that does exactly that.

DXL asked me to review NiceThreads, in exchange for the clothing I received in the box. As always, the opinions below are my own.

Setting Up Your NiceThreads Account

Once you’re on the website, NiceThreads wastes no time getting you started. Enter your basic account information, then choose from the option that best matches your personality and lifestyle: casual, business casual, or suiting. I opted for casual. From there, you’re taken to a page that lets you choose your favorites from an extensive list of brands.

The great thing about this section is that you can give NiceThreads a better idea of what you like by choosing your favorite brands. The not so great thing was that there were some names in this list that I was unfamiliar with, and the page didn’t offer any kind of explanation or ability to see clothes from the brand on that page. I might have missed some brands that would have been a good fit for me. Hopefully this is something they will update in the future.

Moving from the brands page, you’re taken to a section that asks for your sizes. Shirt, coat, neck, waist, inseam, shoes – everything you’d expect can be found there. This is one of those times that knowing your measurements comes in handy. If you don’t want to do them yourself, go to a tailor and get them done by a pro.

Once you’ve entered your sizes, you’re done with the online portion of the process. You’re then taken to a confirmation page that lets you know that a stylist will reach out to you shortly.

Connecting With Your Personal Stylist

Soon after, I received a call from Pauline, my NiceThreads stylist. The goal of our first call was to help her get to know me a little better. By knowing more about my needs, and the style of clothing I like (or don’t), Pauline was better able to find clothes that she was sure I would want to wear, and that would actually fit me.

From our call, she was able to figure out what kind of style I prefer (somewhere between blue collar classic and hipster), and how I like my clothing to fit (read: not baggy). Pauline explained that NiceThreads would keep a file with my sizing, preferences, and purchase history, so that when I needed something new, she’d be able to recommend the perfect product to fit my needs.

The conversation was great, and I felt pretty confident that she’d be able to get me clothes that I would like. Pauline told me that she had some great things in mind for me, and that I would receive a package from her within 8 days. From there, I’d try things on and choose my favorites, then send back whatever wasn’t for me. The best part? There was no risk, as I would only be charged for anything I did not return after seven business days.

What’s Inside My NiceThreads Box?

About a week later, my box arrived. The large, rectangular box was fairly heavy – a good sign. Upon opening, I could see that a lot of care had been taken when it came to presentation – there were bundles of clothing wrapped in string and paper, with a shoebox underneath, and a booklet on top. Inside the booklet was a list of all the items in the box, return instructions and a prepaid return label. Here’s what Pauline included in my box:

New Balance cross trainers

Two button down shirts

A gingham dress shirt

Three pairs of jeans (two Levi’s and one Buffalo David Bitton)

A Polo Sport hoodie

Polo Ralph Lauren pants

Socks: sport and multi-stripe

Accessories: a pocket square and collar stays

A sweet looking Robert Graham plaid tweed ivy cap

I was pleasantly surprised by how spot-on Pauline was with the products she chose. I explained that it was difficult to find shoes that fit my wide feet, and she came back with these super light, great fitting New Balance sneakers. When we talked about jeans, I told her that I needed some that fit me well and can work with a variety of looks. She added two pairs of Levi’s 541 athletic fit jeans to the mix, with a blue and a dark wash, and some Buffalo David Britton twill jeans in a grey wash to shake things up a bit.

Pauline did something great here in that there were reasons for each piece she added to the box. She also set it up so that I was able to mix and match many of the items to create different looks. Basically, she put together full outfits for me with everything she chose – something that can be difficult for many guys to do on their own.

NiceThreads: What’s the Verdict?

It’s great to see a large company like DXL investing in a clothing delivery service for big and tall men. The variety of styles and wide selection of products they carry ensures that NiceThreads will be able to fit most styles (and sizes). The stylist interaction is top notch – I felt like she really understood what I liked, and sent me clothes I would actually wear. Though I wish there would have been more information on the brands available early in the process, that is something that can easily be fixed in the future.

Update: Since my initial review, NiceThreads has made several enhancements to their program. Now there are chat options, so that immediately after signing up you can chat online with your stylist or decide upon a better time for a phone call. This makes getting in touch even easier and at a time that is most convenient for you.

They stick to about five items per package, unless you request more. It makes the experience a little less overwhelming. However, no matter the size of the package, you can always return everything before getting charged.

In addition to an introductory offer, NiceThreads will now also give you 10% off your entire order if you keep all the items that were sent in your package. If you’re looking for some help getting your style together with clothes that will actually fit you, NiceThreads is certainly worth a look

All in all, I’m happy with my NiceThreads experience, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a professional to help them fill their closet with stylish clothing that fits. You can try it for yourself at NiceThreads.com.

]]>https://chubstr.com/resources/nicethreads-big-tall-personal-stylist/feed/0https://chubstr.com/resources/nicethreads-big-tall-personal-stylist/Project Mermaids Adds a Plus Size Mermanhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/HrWqfI5USyI/
https://chubstr.com/entertainment/21709/#respondThu, 03 Nov 2016 20:26:30 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21709In 2012, photographers Angelina Venturella and Chiara Salomoni started Project Mermaids,an ongoing photo project with the goal of raising awareness of oceanic environmental issues. They do this by photographing celebrities as mermaids and selling the photos, with funds from each sale (as well as direct donations) going to nonprofit organizations such as Save Our Beach....

In 2012, photographers Angelina Venturella and Chiara Salomoni started Project Mermaids,an ongoing photo project with the goal of raising awareness of oceanic environmental issues. They do this by photographing celebrities as mermaids and selling the photos, with funds from each sale (as well as direct donations) going to nonprofit organizations such as Save Our Beach.

The Wonders of the Ocean with Harvey Guillen

As you can see above, they’ve included their first plus size merman, actor Harvey Guillen. Harvey is also working with Project Mermaids to produce a coffee book of the same name, with 50% of its proceeds being donated to Save Our Beach. Learn more about Project Mermaids by clicking here.

]]>https://chubstr.com/entertainment/21709/feed/0https://chubstr.com/entertainment/21709/Fall Colors with Photographer N. Maxwell Landerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/b8_t7pko2WE/
https://chubstr.com/features/ready-fall-n-maxwell-lander/#respondTue, 01 Nov 2016 16:12:29 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21684We’re continuing our photo collaboration with N. Maxwell Lander. The goal of the series is to spotlight men of size in an upscale, fashionable way. This time around, it’s all about oranges, browns, greens – colors that remind you of fall. Adam Guzkowski and Chris Blair are this month’s models. See our past collaborations here and here. ...

We’re continuing our photo collaboration with N. Maxwell Lander. The goal of the series is to spotlight men of size in an upscale, fashionable way. This time around, it’s all about oranges, browns, greens – colors that remind you of fall. Adam Guzkowski and Chris Blair are this month’s models. See our past collaborations here and here.

]]>https://chubstr.com/features/ready-fall-n-maxwell-lander/feed/0https://chubstr.com/features/ready-fall-n-maxwell-lander/King & Stone, a Shoe for All Seasonshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/7TV_eekIDtU/
https://chubstr.com/style/king-stone-shoe-review/#respondSun, 23 Oct 2016 17:05:23 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21645King & Stone — who dub themselves “The next big thing in men’s shoes” may be right. The shoe subscription service offers stylish shoes for every season at an affordable price. Need shoes for fall? Sign up for King & Stone’s seasonal subscription service by telling them your size and preferred style, then you’ll be...

King & Stone — who dub themselves “The next big thing in men’s shoes” may be right. The shoe subscription service offers stylish shoes for every season at an affordable price. Need shoes for fall? Sign up for King & Stone’s seasonal subscription service by telling them your size and preferred style, then you’ll be charged $75 for the first pair of shoes, which is broken down into payments of $25 per month.

King & Stone Tizqar

Like what you’re seeing? You can prepay for the next season of shoes, or get a discount for a full season subscription, which covers the entire year (around $280 for 4 pair per year). Don’t worry, no matter what season you decide sign up during, you’ll get your first pair of shoes in about 10 days. After that, you receive a new pair of shoes every 3 months (each season, get it?).

King & Stone Tizqar from the front

We’ve seen subscription services for clothing, but King & Stone take it to the next level with their focus on affordable shoes you actually want to wear. A great deal is well… great, but the question remains. What about the quality? The company was gracious enough to send us a pair of the Tizquar in Onyx in order to take a closer look.

King & Stone Tizqar treads

The Tizqar features a black suede upper, multicolored cotton lining, with white rubber soles. The shoe is comfortable, flexible and appealing. It can be dressed up with a pair of khakis and slacks or can be worn casual with jeans. The Tizqar is classic black and white sleek shoe, but the standout and most enjoyable feature had to be the star pattern on the bottom sole.

The bad news? If you have feet larger than size 12, you’re out of luck here. The Tizqar is part of the Fall 2016 collection and is ready to ship. Learn more about King & Stone shoes at kingandstone.com.

]]>https://chubstr.com/style/king-stone-shoe-review/feed/0https://chubstr.com/style/king-stone-shoe-review/The Chubstr Guide to Backyard Campinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/jWfSPvQLkqA/
https://chubstr.com/resources/chubstr-guide-backyard-camping/#respondThu, 13 Oct 2016 02:49:45 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21656You can trust that we adhere to strict editorial guidelines in our writing and reviews; however, this post contains affiliate links, and we receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners and purchase them. Summer is over, but that’s not going to stop me from enjoying what the great outdoors have...

You can trust that we adhere to strict editorial guidelines in our writing and reviews; however, this post contains affiliate links, and we receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners and purchase them.

Summer is over, but that’s not going to stop me from enjoying what the great outdoors have to offer, even if I’m only going as far as my backyard. If you’re a hardcore outdoorsman who walks miles into the wilderness to sleep under a blanket of pine needles for one week straight, this guide isn’t for you. If you’re interested in the occasional campout with a bit of comfort and convenience, no matter what your size, read on for more of our picks.

Alps Mountaineering Zenith 3 Tent ($149)

Finding a Tent

I needed a tent spacious enough for me and at least another person. The one I settled on was the Alps Mountaineering Zenith 3 Tent($149). It’s made for 3 seasons, and since that’s mostly what we get here in Oregon, where I live, it was a perfect option. You can open it up for full ventilation with the mesh walls, but if you need coverage from the elements, the weatherproofed cover will keep the badness out. I can vouch for this, because right after this photo shoot, it rained for about 4 hours, and the interior stayed just as dry as when I originally put the tent up. Had any rain made its way into the tent, any important gear would have been ok because of the elevated interior storage pocket, and some covered exterior storage right outside the door.

Alpine Mountain Gear Mega Camp Chair ($49.95)

The Ultimate Big Men’s Camping Chair

I’ll admit, one of the reasons I haven’t loved camping in the past is that a lot of the gear isn’t made to hold me, especially camping chairs. I’ve blown out one or two in my day. Sierra Trading Post understands that this is a problem for some people, and offers the Alpine Mountain Gear Mega Camp Chair ($49.95) to combat it. First off, the chair sports a steel frame, which helps ensure it can stand up to whatever sits on it. The polyester fabric that covers the chair is made to hold up to 500 lbs. When I sat on it, I didn’t feel like I was going to break it. In fact, the chair didn’t have a lot of give (while still being comfortable to sit in), which is a good thing. It felt like it would last for years.

The icing on the cake? This wide camp chair includes two large cupholders that seem pretty well reinforced, meaning you probably won’t have to worry about wearing them down.

The Alps Mountaineering 0°F Echo Lake Sleeping Bag ($59.99)

A Sleeping Bag for Most Seasons

Here in Oregon, with the exception of a few months of the year, temperatures tend to dip quite a bit when the sun goes down. It can be disconcerting if you’re not used to it. I wanted to make sure that I had a sleeping bag that would be able to keep me warm throughout the night if I decided to go camping in late October, early November, or even mid-January. The Alps Mountaineering 0°F Echo Lake Sleeping Bag ($59.99) states pretty clearly that it’ll keep you warm almost anywhere you take it. This beast is filled with polyester fiber batting, ensuring you’re warm even if you camp in the snow.

Since I have a round body, I was concerned about finding a sleeping bag that I fit into well. This bag is mummy shaped, meaning that there’s more room in the stomach area than in other types of sleeping bags. I found it to be just the right amount of roomy for my needs. As it got cooler and rainier later into the evening, the Echo Lake Sleeping Bag kept me very warm. Trust me, that won’t be an issue for you with this one.

Top of the Line Camping Storage

When it comes to camping, (especially backyard camping) I tend to travel light. That doesn’t mean I don’t need a good solution for packing and transporting food and drinks. The collapsable Mountainsmith Zip Top Tote is my choice for sheer portability, ease of use, and space, but any of their storage systems will make your life easier. This particular bag features a molded bottom for stability and ballistic poly construction. Basically, it’s made to take a beating and still survive. ($20 and up)

There you have it, everything you need for some good old (backyard) camping. Keep an eye out as we leave the yard and head out into the great outdoors to bring you more products that are perfect for the plus size adventurer.

In our ongoing collaboration with photographer N. Maxwell Lander, we’re putting a stylish, upscale focus on plus size men, something that we don’t see enough of. See our first, street style focused collaboration here. This time around, we mourn the end of summer with the last warm weather shots of the season with model JP Kane.

]]>https://chubstr.com/features/photographer-n-maxwell-lander-takes-us-to-the-beach/feed/0https://chubstr.com/features/photographer-n-maxwell-lander-takes-us-to-the-beach/Look Out America! Japan Has its Own Plus Size Men’s Fashion Showhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Chubstr/~3/oxmeSYnekyc/
https://chubstr.com/style/look-america-japan-mens-plus-size-fashion-show/#respondMon, 03 Oct 2016 16:15:01 +0000http://chubstr.com/?p=21620Men’s plus size fashion is becoming a hot topic here in the U.S., with brands devoted to big guys launching at NYFW last month, and interest in plus male modeling continuing to increase. It turns out, there are other countries getting in on the action, like Japan, who hosted a men’s plus size fashion show...

Men’s plus size fashion is becoming a hot topic here in the U.S., with brands devoted to big guys launching at NYFW last month, and interest in plus male modeling continuing to increase. It turns out, there are other countries getting in on the action, like Japan, who hosted a men’s plus size fashion show put on by clothing line Sakazen and style magazine Mr. Babe. We were able to chat with Gregorio Narvasa, the only non-Japanese model to participate in the show. Gregorio talked about what Japan’s big and tall clothing industry looks like, what to expect from future shows like this.

How does the Japanese men’s plus size industry compare to what we have here in the U.S.?
The industry is similar to America. [There is] 1 major national chain called Sakazen, a small chain called Grandback, and some other random smaller shops in the countryside. There are a few high end department stores similar to Macy’s, like the Isetan Men department store, or the Hankyu department store, and they offer very high end, high priced items.

Uniqlo carries up to 4xl (3xl US) but virtually all of that is online, except for the Ginza flagship store. It is literally a corner with a few items, which is pretty useless. Some brands carry larger sizes online, like American Eagle Japan, or MID Japan, and a few other random sites. Bucca 44 is a new big size brand that just launched, and it’s on the higher end of price, [basically] boutique style.

How did you get involved with the Mr. Babe fashion show?
I auditioned for an open call for large models that was promoted online by Sakazen. The contest was to be the print model with a contract with Mr. babe magazine. I didn’t advance to the finals, but a few months later i got an email from the Alpha Management agency asking me to participate. The other men involved were mostly the finalist from the audition.

Photo: Reuters

I understand that you were the only non-Japanese model in the show, right?
I am half Puertorican and half Filipino, and I grew up mostly in Miami Florida. For the audition, there were 4 white men, 1 Spanish guy, and me.

This is the first plus size men’s fashion show of its kind in Japan. What has the general reception to the event been like?
Of course, it has been mixed. I’ve been looking at comments, which I should never do. You have all the “don’t praise fat” posts, and even more derogatory comments. It’s expected, because trolls and assholes litter the internet. When it comes to the people I know personally, it’s been very supportive.

Photo: Reuters/TodayOnline

Do you think fashion shows like this one are the beginning of a sustained men’s plus size movement in Japan?
It was announced that they want to do another show next year, and feature both men’s and women’s plus size fashion.